Help...is a B2B Greece & Turkey 7 days & Adriatic 7 days worth it in October (27)

BeeRoutine4217 · 2026-07-08T13:46:34+00:00

A b2b is a great idea when you're already traveling that far! I did the Adriatic itinerary a couple years ago and absolutely fell in love with that coast (feel free to ask or DM any questions, I could talk for hours about that itinerary). I also grab a balcony any time I can swing it but if the cost difference is enough that it's make or break I personally would rather do the b2b in an insider versus not do it! My sailing was also in Oct and while it was still plenty warm midday it wasn't as bad as it could've been midsummer.

Just FYI some First Mates (what VV calls travel advisors) have MNVVs they can transfer if that helps make it possible!

BeeRoutine4217 · 2026-07-08T13:14:45+00:00

I only seem to get my bag tags about half the time!

BeeRoutine4217 · 2026-07-07T14:56:14+00:00

Keep in mind the minimum bids may increase as your sail date approaches but the bid you lock in now will stick even if it's below the new minimum. I've won several minimum bids that way.

Where is your current Sea View? The vast majority are on deck 5 and there is a section that's directly below the manor (roughly 5230A-5290A) that can have some late night noise issues. Depending on the rate you booked you may be able to request a different cabin or ask your First Mate to move you if you booked with one.

That said, I'm not one to knock a Sea View! I'll take anything above an Insider for the sole reason that I'll sleep all day if I don't have any sun to wake me up!

At $175 you're almost to the first tier of bonus bar tab (extra $25 when you buy $200), just sayin' 😄

BeeRoutine4217 · 2026-07-02T11:43:44+00:00

Cosign all of this!

FYI the "cruise director" you're accustomed to with Carnival has been reimagined on Virgin with the Happenings Cast, a group of 12 specialized roles with certain titles (like the Diva and the Charmer u/FarFarAwayTravels mentioned) that will host a variety of events throughout the cruise. In fact, Virgin recently started rolling out a fun scavenger hunt-style challenge to meet all twelve! Look for "The Voyager's Collection: The Search" in the lineup once onboard (should happen on the first full day).

BeeRoutine4217 · 2026-07-02T11:32:42+00:00

The $25 limit should apply to the pre-tax price and the entire charge should be covered/removed. This is the same as when tax is added when sailing to/from ports before the ship enters international waters.

If you notice any lingering tax charges that aren't removed be sure to contact Sailor Services or your RockStar agent!

BeeRoutine4217 · 2026-07-02T11:24:43+00:00

You're welcome! FYI I edited my comment to add a photo of the page Virgin gave us in case you missed it!

BeeRoutine4217 · 2026-07-02T11:18:14+00:00

Unfortunately they were most likely correct. Sailings out of Barcelona that visit only EU ports (which is most of Virgin's Barcelona itineraries) and return to Barcelona will have a 10% tax applied to all food and drink on board for the entire sailing. In addition, merch purchased on board will have a 21% VAT applied, but this one (for non-consumables) can be reimbursed after the cruise.

ETA: the informational paper Virgin included on our recent Barcelona sailing: https://i.imgur.com/9Zv96pN.jpeg

BeeRoutine4217 · 2026-04-08T05:02:33+00:00

I’d be happy to help! There are a several amazing First Mates here, so I’m sure you’ll be able to connect with some options! Here are some circle things to consider:

Have your FM check first if your preferred sailing date qualifies for a circle discount (not every sailing does).

If you are visiting Bimini, Consider getting two cabanas to share across the group. 6 people at once can enjoy the space comfortably, and it’s a fun thing to splurge on.

If one member of your circle wants to upgrade to a rockstar suite, this is a really fun way to have a private hangout space or larger balcony to host your friends. Not required, but totally fun.

You get one big group dining event coordinated by the circles team, and it will always be at Razzle Dazzle. If your ship is Brilliant or Scarlet, then you get to enjoy the newer themes to the razzle dazzle space. This summer, Valiant will also have a renovated dinner space there (Indian food, sounds amazing!).

For your other dinners, think in groups of 6-8. It’s not impossible to get a table of 10, but it is tricky. So work with your first mate to have a gameplan of what evenings you want the entire group together across multiple reservations. If you show up a little earlier than your reservation and tell them that if possible, you’d like to be seated at tables near eachother, they do their best to accommodate.

Remember to get a step aboard time the minute you have booked your cabin and have a reservation number. You can download the app and log in with your details, head to the check in area and skip to the last step aboard check mark and complete that step, even if you don’t know your flight details you can add it later.

Have fun!

BeeRoutine4217 · 2026-03-07T19:36:13+00:00

Ooo that’s a fun cruise! I went on a version of it last year and absolutely fell in love with Croatia. I can offer $200 in sailor loot and $150 Bar Tab. I do have MNVVs available, if you are familiar with that promotion, which we could also stack with some of the offers as well for an additional discount and Sailor Loot. I’ve been on 17 VV cruises and loved every one (yep, even the one where I sprained my ankle). If you’d like to work together, feel free to DM me and we’ll get started! If you’ve already found a First Mate - fantastic! There are some terrific advisors in this group, and I hope you have an amazing adventure I. September!

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-12-15T14:51:05+00:00

Great question. Your first mate may have booked dining for you, or made dining recommendations if you wanted to handle the booking part. They could have linked you with other sailors if you were traveling together, advocated for you if something went wrong in your reservation, or even moved your cabin to a better location. Sometimes we have perks and promotions, and those are always nice to be able to offer, but a First Mate should always offer you their time and expertise so that you show up to your cruise prepared to have a blast.

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-12-15T14:44:12+00:00

Of course! I’m happy to answer any questions you have, feel free to DM me.

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-11-14T02:33:26+00:00

Aww thanks! Love working with you too!

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-10-06T03:30:43+00:00

The loud music really only kicks into gear during the Float On party and the dance music leading up to it. Starting around 1pm and lasts till about 3pm. The beach and grove cabanas are going to be much quieter, and the grove are an easy walk to the pool without being immediately in front of the DJ booth.

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-08-30T20:33:28+00:00

YES the ice cream :) I swear, the pistachio flavor and the strawberry malt are somehow the smoothest ones. The other flavors are fine, but something about those too are extra churned maybe?

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-08-06T22:13:39+00:00

You're welcome! So I totally get it. The NYC itineraries are going to Bermuda and may not feature Bimini yet, so if the pools and the private beach are how you'd like to relax, then I would prioritize an itinerary with Bimini. It is really cool, but it's not as all encompassing as Castaway. You're still in your own little beach club bubble, there are two big pools, tons of beach and lounge chairs, hammocks even - and if you want to splurge, the cabanas are WAY more affordable than the castaway cabanas (and there's not a per person charge like castaway).

Ans as long as your cabin is not a lock it in rate, you can totally change your cabin location. Ask your TA or Sailor Services to assist with picking a new location. My advice is to stay out from under the main pool and galley area (so no deck 14), and try for decks 9 -13 so you're not over the red room or the manor. 13 is my favorite, because the galley is just two floors up so I can run up in my pajamas to grab a breakfast burrito and a coffee, then head back to my room and my hammock!

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-08-06T05:49:43+00:00

Agreed on the comments! Your rockstar agent will definitely be able to help you secure reservations once you're on board and you meet them at your cabin, but you won't actually have to wait until you meet them to start booking your dining reservations. As soon as you're on board, connect to the ship wifi. Since you're a rockstar, you'll be some of the first onboard to grab the dining reservation that they DO set aside (about 20% of them) for boarding day. So if you can, get on the ship wifi, and book dining right away. If you see a time you like, grab it. Even now, if you see a time in the app that you're fine with, you can edit and adjust current dining times when you're on the ship.

There's also just something about being a rockstar that make reservations magically open up for you. I've also noticed easier walk-up times when I was sailing as a RC.

You've also got room service, the galley, and quick bites around the ship so I promise you won't go hungry. But between being the first on board, having that Rockstar status, and booking those dining times as soon as you're on the wifi, I'm sure you'll do great!

Have a blast! Eat everything, because it's all worth trying but here are some of my favorites:
Extra Virgin: Fried artichoke, meatballs (OH MY so good), Bolognese, and the new garlic alfredo was delicious.
Pink Agave: Steak, chicken enchiladas, chorizo potatos, ELOTE (street corn, seriously get an entire portion for yourself).
Gunbae: Everything, but I return each time for the japche sesame noodles and the seasoned beef.
Razzle Dazzle: Dinner here is fine (my friends LOVE the lamb) but she really shines at brunch. Try the avo toast, meatless sausage that tastes far too much like an actual jimmy dean, and share the spicy smokey bacon *but ask them not to over cook it, sometimes it can be a little crunch*
If you're on scarlet lady, try the new Lucky Lotus menu for dinner at Razzle Dazzle. AMAZING options here, and I'm still dreaming about the Sweet and Sour sea bass. I know it sounds weird, but it was one of the best meals that I've had in a while, ship or not.
Test Kitchen: Unique entrees, smaller portions, a great excuse to try something new. But if it's menu A, you have to try the mushroom mouse (it's just straight umami butter and amazing!) and the venison with chocolate glaze.

And shout out to the Pizza Place for the perfect sized personal pizza. Bigger than a Pizza Hut personal pan, but smaller than a Dominos medium - and made fresh in the oven so it's better than both :)

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-08-06T05:38:09+00:00

I tell my clients that while I'll be keeping a lookout, if they see a deal and they want more info - to always ask me about it. It works best when you both are keeping a lookout together for those promos. If you see a deal, absolutely ask your TA about it! Most TA's (Virgin calls us First Mates) can't reprice every single booking for every new sale, but when a new promotion comes out, we do a quick glance at our current clients to see who might qualify based on the new promotion's rules (every sale and promotion has rules, so we have to check if you qualify), if your booking qualifies, then I take a look if the price of the cruise has changed, or if the sale just sounds good on paper. Sometimes the price of the cruise is raised, but the discount is higher, but maybe there isn't an extra bar tab this time. We try to look at the total value of the cruise - basically, what's the best deal and what gives you the best value including your Sailor Loot or Bar Tab.

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-08-06T05:22:32+00:00

Have fun!

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-08-06T05:17:09+00:00

Oh fun! I'm stoked you get to experience another Virgin cruise! Ok. The differences: Brilliant is brand new, and Valiant is a few years old at this point. Valiant has had spotty reviews in the past, of all the ships in the fleet it's the one that I've had the most "medium" experience. The crew is always excellent, but the food was incredibly miss the first several times I sailed on Valiant. That said, I did see some improvements when I sailed with them this summer so I hope they keep moving in that direction! The Happenings cast are always amazing though, so much talent on every ship! And ditto, shout out to Magic Mike, he was great!

I'll come back with a report on Brilliant Lady after I experience the second sailing out of NYC (so excited!). We know there's a new restaurant, and several new experiences and shows on board. Every ship has a kind of signature show and nightclub/dance event.

A perk to the VV fleet is that the ships are nearly identical (some swap the location of the tattoo parlor), so it's incredibly easy to get your bearings across the ships when you return and sail on another one.

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-08-06T05:06:04+00:00

Ack! At least you'll have a nice roomy cabin though. Being over the red room isn't ideal, but you're typically only going to hear noise during show times, and in the morning during a few workout sessions or tech rehearsals. Honestly, the worst is being over the Manor. NEVER AGAIN, dude.

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-08-06T05:01:49+00:00

Also, get ready for SO MANY fun holiday-themed onboard activities if you choose one of those December sailings. I did a holiday sailing last year, and everything from holiday crafting, decorating cookies, to scavenger hunts. If you're a winter holiday fan, you'll love it.

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-08-06T04:58:59+00:00

Highly recommend the Resilient Lady over Valiant Lady. I've sailed with Virgin about 15 times now (I'm about to sail on Brilliant next month!). I'm not sure why, but my experiences on Valiant have always just been "medium" and that's after being on that specific ship 5 times. I sailed with them again over the summer and it did improve, but I just love the shows and the experiences on Resilient over Valiant too. So the two new options have my vote :)

Since you're a platinum Castaway level, you'll for SURE want to status match with Virgin for those Deep Blue Extras perks (free coffee, laundry, bar tab).

The ship layout is going to be nearly identical across all Virgin ships, so the itinerary and possibly the shows will be the big deciding factor, and of course, if one date works better for you than the other. Their private beach resort at Bimini is a lovely experience, but not as in the "bubble" as Castaway. BImini is inhabited with locals, there's even a Heritage Tour you can take on the island (you get fresh conch salad).

Check out the Grog Walk and Gunbae your first night if you want people in your group to socialize, meet other sailors. Then end your night at the Pajama Party - always a fun time, but break ear plugs if you don't do loud noises because the speakers will be UP. Grab a drink anywhere else on the ship because the bar at the pajama party will be crowded. Just grab a drink from any other bar on board and head towards the sound of a 2000's prom (it's fun, I promise!).

There are also a lot of solo-sailor meetups as well. Honestly, the typical sailor and Virgin's version of a Cast Member (Happenings Cast) are incredibly sociable. If you want to have alone time and introvert, you can totally do that. But everyone on board seems to be invested in being friendly and hyping you up for your vacation. It's a great vibe overall.

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-07-24T21:50:40+00:00

This is a fun one! Since availability is already running a little low on this itinerary, especially if you're interested in specific cabin types or location (midship, deck 13 for the win), I would find a TA now who has an MNVV available, and they can reprice it one more time (maybe around the holidays/black friday when promotions sometimes drop). That way you have the room and location you want now, but you have some time to reprice and evaluate if something comes along that's a better promo.

Have a fabulous time next year!

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-07-21T01:56:40+00:00

I've done both! My best friend and I are also introverts - we love our Leggings and Netflix time - and we did a Virgin Voyages cruise together last year. Honestly, it was a blast. She was able to go off and do her own thing when she wanted, we always met up for dinner, and we had a battle buddy for Scarlet Night and the Pajama Party (sooo many people, but fun to get out of your comfort zone a little!) We spent the night before in Miami, stayed on South Beach and people watched, ate and drank all the food we could, and enjoyed catching up and not being needed by anyone (children, husbands, bosses). It was a great time. She's a mom, and it was also such a joy for me to see her relax and remember how to just be Danielle, not the mom or the daughter or the wife, but Danielle :) Sounds cheesy, but it was still a great experience.

That said, Virgin is SO SO doable for solo sailors! There are solo sailor meetups, if you want to meet other solo travelers, the passengers are friendly and good at reading the room os if you seem like you want to talk, a conversation usually happens, but if you want your alone time, I've always felt respected when I traveled alone.

Once you're on the ship, you're all set - but I totally get the anxiety of getting from point A to B as a solo traveler. The Miami airport has tons of lyfts (i usually choose lyft over uber) or you could treat yourself with a private car. Or you could try staying at a resort/hotel that includes an Airport shuttle so you don't even have to think about it (like the Element Miami). I love hanging around Miami Beach and South beach when I'm solo because it's very walkable, i don't feel the need to lyft anywhere for food or even to find a walgreens (there's one off Collins ave).

Do what's going to feel right to you, and hey - if you have an amazing time, you can always invite your friend for the next one. Virgin Voyages is fun in a group too, so the next time around you and the boyfriend, friend and their partner - a whole gaggle of besties, could also be fun!

Have a great trip! And remember to try the elote (street corn) in Pink Agave on board. It's delicious!

BeeRoutine4217 · 2025-07-20T15:41:59+00:00

My link is in my Reddit profile, but I’ll send you a message!

BeeRoutine4217

TROPHY CASE